Alesis Q

James Bond’s Q is known for his super-hi-tech gadgetry, but Alesis’s range of the same name dispenses with flashiness to provide a solid, back-to-basics experience.

The focus here is very much on playing as opposed to tweaking, though the pitch and mod wheels are assignable. The key action is reassuringly smooth, and users of external MIDI gear will be cheered by the inclusion of a 5-pin MIDI Output.